And as Josiah turned, he saw the tombs there on the hillside, and he sent someone to take the bones out of the tombs, and he burned them on the altar to defile it, according to the word of the LORD proclaimed by the man of God who had foretold these things. As Josiah turnedThe phrase "As Josiah turned" indicates a pivotal moment in the narrative. Josiah, the king of Judah, is actively engaged in a reformative mission. The Hebrew root for "turned" (שׁוּב, shuv) often implies repentance or a change of direction, both physically and spiritually. Josiah's turning is symbolic of his commitment to redirect the nation of Judah back to the worship of Yahweh, away from idolatry. he saw the tombs there on the hillside
The "tombs" on the "hillside" are significant as they represent the burial places of those who had been involved in idolatrous practices. In ancient Israel, hillsides were often used for burial and also for pagan worship, known as "high places." Josiah's observation of these tombs underscores his awareness of the pervasive idolatry that had infiltrated the land, which he was determined to eradicate. So he sent and had the bones removed from the tombs
Josiah's action of having the "bones removed" is a deliberate act of desecration against the idolatrous practices associated with these tombs. In the Hebrew context, disturbing a grave was a profound act of defilement. This action signifies Josiah's zeal for purifying the land and his commitment to fulfilling the covenantal laws that prohibited idolatry. and he burned them on the altar to defile it
Burning the bones "on the altar" was a symbolic act of defilement. The altar, likely used for pagan sacrifices, is rendered unclean by this act. The Hebrew word for "defile" (טָמֵא, tame) indicates making something ritually impure. Josiah's actions are a direct confrontation against the false worship that had been established, demonstrating his dedication to restoring true worship of Yahweh. according to the word of the LORD
This phrase emphasizes that Josiah's actions were not merely personal or political but were in obedience to divine instruction. The "word of the LORD" (דְּבַר־יְהוָה, devar-Yahweh) is a powerful reminder of the prophetic authority guiding Josiah's reforms. It underscores the belief that true reformation is rooted in adherence to God's revealed will. proclaimed by the man of God
The "man of God" refers to a prophet who had previously foretold these events. This highlights the continuity of God's message and the fulfillment of prophecy. The term "man of God" (אִישׁ הָאֱלֹהִים, ish ha-Elohim) is used throughout the Old Testament to denote someone who speaks with divine authority, reinforcing the legitimacy of Josiah's actions. who had foretold these things
The fulfillment of prophecy is a recurring theme in the Bible, serving as evidence of God's sovereignty and faithfulness. The phrase "who had foretold these things" connects Josiah's actions to a divine plan that transcends human history. It reassures believers of the reliability of God's promises and the certainty of His word coming to pass. Persons / Places / Events 1. JosiahThe King of Judah who initiated religious reforms to restore the worship of Yahweh and eliminate idolatry from the land. 2. Tombs on the HillsideBurial sites that Josiah encountered, which were associated with idolatrous practices. 3. The AltarA pagan altar that Josiah defiled by burning bones on it, fulfilling a prophecy. 4. The Man of GodA prophet who had previously foretold the defilement of the altar, as recorded in 1 Kings 13. 5. The Word of the LORDThe divine prophecy that was fulfilled through Josiah's actions, demonstrating God's sovereignty and the reliability of His word. Teaching Points Obedience to God's WordJosiah's actions demonstrate the importance of obeying God's commands, even when they require difficult or radical measures. Fulfillment of ProphecyThe fulfillment of the prophecy concerning Josiah underscores the reliability and sovereignty of God's word. Believers can trust that God's promises will come to pass. Zeal for Purity in WorshipJosiah's zeal for purifying worship serves as a model for Christians to remove idolatry and sin from their lives, ensuring that their worship is pleasing to God. Courage in LeadershipJosiah's bold actions as a leader show the importance of courage and conviction in leading others toward righteousness. Legacy of FaithfulnessJosiah's legacy is one of faithfulness to God, reminding believers of the impact their obedience can have on future generations. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Josiah's fulfillment of prophecy in 2 Kings 23:16 encourage you to trust in the promises of God found in Scripture? 2. In what ways can you demonstrate the same zeal for purity in worship that Josiah exhibited in your own life and community? 3. What are some modern-day "altars" or idols that need to be removed from your life to ensure your worship is solely focused on God? 4. How can Josiah's courage in leadership inspire you to take bold steps in your faith journey or in leading others? 5. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced the fulfillment of God's word in your life. How did it strengthen your faith and commitment to God's commands? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 13This chapter contains the prophecy by the man of God from Judah, predicting that a king named Josiah would defile the altar at Bethel. 2 Chronicles 34-35These chapters provide a parallel account of Josiah's reforms and his efforts to restore true worship in Judah. Jeremiah 1:10This verse speaks to the authority given to prophets to uproot and destroy, to build and to plant, which aligns with Josiah's actions in fulfilling prophecy. Deuteronomy 12:3This passage commands the destruction of pagan altars, which Josiah faithfully executes. Hebrews 11:32-34This New Testament passage highlights the faith of Old Testament figures, including those who acted in obedience to God's commands, like Josiah. People Ahaz, Ammonites, Ashtoreth, Ben, Chemosh, Eliakim, Hamutal, Hilkiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jeremiah, Jeroboam, Joshua, Josiah, Manasseh, Melech, Milcom, Moabites, Molech, Nathan, Nathanmelech, Nebat, Pedaiah, Pharaoh, Pharaohnechoh, Sidonians, Sodomites, Solomon, Zebudah, ZidoniansPlaces Assyria, Beersheba, Bethel, Egypt, Euphrates River, Geba, Hamath, Jerusalem, Kidron, Libnah, Megiddo, Moab, Riblah, Rumah, Samaria, Topheth, Valley of HinnomTopics Accordance, Altar, Bones, Burned, Burneth, Dead, Defile, Defiled, Defileth, Espied, Feast-day, Foretold, Graves, Hillside, Jeroboam, Josiah, Josi'ah, Making, Mount, Mountain, Places, Polluted, Predicted, Proclaimed, Removed, Resting-place, Round, Sepulchers, Sepulchres, Spied, Taketh, Tombs, Turneth, Turning, UncleanDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 23:16 1690 word of God
5137 bones
7348 defilement
9050 tombs 2 Kings 23:1-20 7241 Jerusalem, significance 2 Kings 23:1-24 8466 reformation 2 Kings 23:1-25 5345 influence
7245 Judah, kingdom of 2 Kings 23:4-20 4906 abolition 2 Kings 23:8-20 7442 shrine 2 Kings 23:13-16 8747 false gods 2 Kings 23:15-20 7302 altar 2 Kings 23:16-18 1429 prophecy, OT fulfilment Library Reformation Lessons
Eversley. 1861. 2 Kings xxiii. 3, 4, 25, 26. "And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the Lord, to "walk after the Lord, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant. And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the door, to bring forth out …
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other SermonsWhether the Old Law was Suitably Given at the Time of Moses?
Objection 1: It would seem that the Old Law was not suitably given at the time of Moses. Because the Old Law disposed man for the salvation which was to come through Christ, as stated above ([2068]AA[2],3). But man needed this salutary remedy immediately after he had sinned. Therefore the Law should have been given immediately after sin. Objection 2: Further, the Old Law was given for the sanctification of those from whom Christ was to be born. Now the promise concerning the "seed, which is Christ" …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Christ Should have Been Born in Bethlehem?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ should not have been born in Bethlehem. For it is written (Is. 2:3): "The law shall come forth from Sion, and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem." But Christ is truly the Word of God. Therefore He should have come into the world at Jerusalem. Objection 2: Further, it is said (Mat. 2:23) that it is written of Christ that "He shall be called a Nazarene"; which is taken from Is. 11:1: "A flower shall rise up out of his root"; for "Nazareth" is interpreted "a flower." …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Prophets Always Know the Things which they Prophesy?
Objection 1: It would seem that the prophets always know the things which they prophesy. For, as Augustine says (Gen. ad lit. xii, 9), "those to whom signs were shown in spirit by means of the likenesses of bodily things, had not the gift of prophecy, unless the mind was brought into action, so that those signs were also understood by them." Now what is understood cannot be unknown. Therefore the prophet is not ignorant of what he prophesies. Objection 2: Further, the light of prophecy surpasses …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether the Prophecy which is Accompanied by Intellective and Imaginative vision is More Excellent than that which is Accompanied by Intellective vision Alone?
Objection 1: It would seem that the prophecy which has intellective and imaginative vision is more excellent than that which is accompanied by intellective vision alone. For Augustine says (Gen. ad lit. xii, 9): "He is less a prophet, who sees in spirit nothing but the signs representative of things, by means of the images of things corporeal: he is more a prophet, who is merely endowed with the understanding of these signs; but most of all is he a prophet, who excels in both ways," and this refers …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Fall of Solomon
'For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. 5. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father. 7. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Rediscovered Law and Its Effects
'And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord: and Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. 9. And Shaphan the scribe came to the king, and brought the king word again, and said, Thy servants have gathered the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of them that do the work, that have the oversight of the house of the Lord. 10. And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Entering the Covenant: with all the Heart
"And they entered into the covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart, and all their soul."--2 CHRON. xv. 12 (see xxxiv. 31, and 2 Kings xxiii. 3). "The Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart, to love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul."--DEUT. xxx. 6. "And I will give them an heart to know Me, that I am the Lord; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God: for they shall turn to Me with their whole heart."--JER. xxiv. 7 (see xxix. 13). …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants How Shall one Make Use of Christ as the Life, when Wrestling with an Angry God Because of Sin?
That we may give some satisfaction to this question, we shall, 1. Shew what are the ingredients in this case, or what useth to concur in this distemper. 2. Shew some reasons why the Lord is pleased to dispense thus with his people. 3. Shew how Christ is life to the soul in this case. 4. Shew the believer's duty for a recovery; and, 5. Add a word or two of caution. As to the first, There may be those parts of, or ingredients in this distemper: 1. God presenting their sins unto their view, so as …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life The Sins of Communities Noted and Punished.
"Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation." This is predicated of the judgments of God on those who had shed the blood of his saints. The Savior declares that all the righteous blood which had been shed on the earth from that of Abel down to the gospel day, should come on that generation! But is not this unreasonable and contrary to the Scriptures? "Far be wickedness from God and iniquity from the Almighty. For the work of man shall be render unto him, and cause every …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects The Whole Heart
LET me give the principal passages in which the words "the whole heart," "all the heart," are used. A careful study of them will show how wholehearted love and service is what God has always asked, because He can, in the very nature of things, ask nothing less. The prayerful and believing acceptance of the words will waken the assurance that such wholehearted love and service is exactly the blessing the New Covenant was meant to make possible. That assurance will prepare us for turning to the Omnipotence …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
THE FALL OF NINEVEH AND THE RISE OF THE CHALDAEAN AND MEDIAN EMPIRES--THE XXVIth EGYPTIAN DYNASTY: CYAXARES, ALYATTES, AND NEBUCHADREZZAR. The legendary history of the kings of Media and the first contact of the Medes with the Assyrians: the alleged Iranian migrations of the Avesta--Media-proper, its fauna and flora; Phraortes and the beginning of the Median empire--Persia proper and the Persians; conquest of Persia by the Medes--The last monuments of Assur-bani-pal: the library of Kouyunjik--Phraortes …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant.
"Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before Me; I also have heard thee, saith the Lord. Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place."--2 Kings …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 23:16 NIV2 Kings 23:16 NLT2 Kings 23:16 ESV2 Kings 23:16 NASB2 Kings 23:16 KJV
2 Kings 23:16 Commentaries
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